“I do not believe that,” Elysia said.
Bram stopped as they reached the bottom of the keep stairs and took her hand. “Then, my dear woman, you will spend your life being disappointed.”
Elysia squeezed his hand. “Nay, Bram, it will be you who spends his life disappointed for you will never allow yourself to truly trust any woman and, therefore, you will never know love.”
Bram stared at her as she walked up the stairs, her words stinging more than he expected.
Elysia entered the Great Hall and walked up to the dais where Chieftain Emory sat with several of his warriors gathered around him talking. She was not surprised when Bram joined them. She almost took a step back when Chieftain Emory turned and looked at her, his dark eyes filled with anger.
“Where exactly did Annis go?” Chieftain Emory demanded.
She spoke the truth, seeing no reason to hide it. “She went to search for the witch in the hills.”
Chieftain Emory brought his fist down on the table, the sound like thunder rolling through the Great Hall. “What is the matter with that woman? The witch in the hills is a myth. Annis goes on a senseless quest.”
“One she felt she had to make,” Elysia said.
“And one I fear she will never return from, since she has been gone four days now and no trail of her can be found. She is either lost or has been taken by a band of thieves and if that is so, she would never survive them.”
“I don’t know about that,” Bram said with a laugh. “The thieves might pay to get rid of her.”
The other warriors laughed, though it ended abruptly when Chieftain Emory turned a heated glare on them.
“Annis is on her own, Elysia. I cannot spare my warriors to search for her any longer. Another clan threatens the Clan MacBridan and my warriors need to be ready to go when called. Prayers for your sister’s safe return is all I can offer now. Be grateful you are here and that I keep you safe.” He waved her off. “Go, that is all.”
Elysia gave a respectful bob of her head and left. She stopped once down the keep’s steps and took a deep breath. A crack of thunder had her moving as did the rain that began to fall. Prayers for Annis fell from her lips along with a smile as she rushed through the village to her cottage. Her sister had successfully avoided the warriors Chieftain Emory had sent after her and she was no doubt well on her way to finding the witch in the hills.
Chapter 5
Elysia spent the next morning seeing to the many stitching tasks that needed to be done. Everyone wanted to be prepared for winter and that meant making sure garments were mended. Her skill with a needle had endless villagers seeking her talent and if she didn’t tend to the garments she had, she would not be done by winter.
Stitching was something that brought her a peaceful mind. She was so busy concentrating on her stitching that she had no time for troubling or annoying thoughts. And when she was done, she had a clearer head, which was what she was hoping for today. Saber occupied her thoughts far too frequently. Actually, he never left her thoughts. He was there day and night and in her dreams as well. With him constantly on her mind, she feared she was losing her heart to him.
How then did she marry another man? It was a question that continued to trouble her.
She focused on the wool cloak Moray had left for her to repair. The large rip along the side rendered the cloak useless, but Elysia’s deft fingers made the repair unnoticeable.
The knock at her door disturbed her peace and she opened the door reluctantly and kept herself from sighing with frustration, seeing Rory standing there.
“We have had no chance to talk,” he said bluntly.
“Why do you want to wed me, Rory? And I want no lies from your tongue,” she warned and his response was not at all what she expected.
“I am tired of being alone. I want a woman waiting for me when I come home from battle. One who will put a good meal on our table. One who will warm my bed. One who will care for me. One who is kind and caring and you are the most kind and caring woman I have ever known.”
Elysia did not know what to say, though it did not matter. Rory continued to talk.
“I would be a good husband. I would not treat you poorly. I would not raise my hand to you. I would see you kept safe. I would give my life to protect you and our bairns.”
Elysia wondered over the truth of his words and recalled what he had said to her. “A good husband commands and a good wife obeys. Did you not say that to me?”